Cast & Creative

West End: Trimmingham in The Go-Between; The Producers original London cast; Phantom of the Opera; Snoopy! UK Regional Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (NT/Cameron Mackintosh),Twelfth Night, By Jeeves, Don Giovanni, Over My Shoulder. Europe: Magaldi in Evita. US Tour: Captain Hook in Peter Pan 360. Film: Brideshead Revisited, Bright Young Things. Twitter: @carlilestephen Instagram: @carlile1

Is excited to rejoin The Broadway Company of The Lion King after traveling with The National Tour, during which time he had the honor of performing at The White House. NYC/Regional: Ataria, Cutman, G word, Miss Saigon, Songs For A New World, Godspell, A Chorus Line, Film and Television: “The Electric Company” (Leo Watson), “Last of The Ninth” (HBO Pilot), Made For Each Other, Expiration Date, Game Over. Always for Granny and Boogie. Twitter/Instagram @lsteventaylor

Tshidi toured Europe and Japan with M. Bongeni Ngema in the hit musical Sarafina. Other stage credits: Rafiki in the Broadway and Toronto productions of The Lion King, Daughter of Nebo by Hillary Bletcher, Mfowethu by Gibson Kente, The Stick by Aubrey Sekhabi. Honored to have performed with legendary artists such as Paul Simon, David Byrne, Hugh Masekela, Jabu Khanyile, Vusi Mahlasela. Album: Sisters of Joy. Thank you God.

Cameron rejoins the Broadway company having previously performed in the London and First National Touring productions of The Lion King. Off-Broadway: The 39 Steps (Union Square Theatre), Accidentally Like A Martyr (Other Side Productions), Comedy of Errors, King Lear, The Iliad-Book One (Aquila Theatre Company). Regional/Touring: Henry V, Julius Caesar, Art, The Tempest, The Wrath of Achilles, Oedipus. TV: “The Good Fight,” “Blindspot,” “The Blacklist,” “Person of Interest,” “Falling Water,” “Deception,” “Pan Am,” “Basile” (Pilot), “OM-City” (Web Series – 2016 Tribeca Film Festival). Film: Henry, The Dead Part of You, The Tramps New World. Instagram: @cameronpow

Ben is pumped to be making his Broadway debut! Ben holds an MFA (Acting) from Rutgers University, where credits included Antigone, Romeo and Juliet, In the Sawtooths and more. His BFA (Acting/Musical Theatre) is from Abilene Christian University, where credits included Jane Eyre and Seussical. TV: “The Good Wife,” “Louie.” Endless thanks to God, his incomparable wife and the family.

Broadway: The Lion King.  Off-Broadway: The Normal Heart, Shockheaded Peter, Bury the Dead, Room Service, The Vocal Lords.  Regional: NSMT, Paper Mill, Geva, New Repertory, Cleveland Playhouse. Tours: The Buddy Holly Story, White Christmas. Film/TV: Putzel, Twelve Thirty, A Very Special Episode,  “New Amsterdam,” “Forever,” “Smash,” “L&O,” “L&O: CI,” “Daily Pops,” “All My Children.” Directing: Trans Am (Keegan Theatre). Podcasts: Opening Weekend. Award-winning narrator of over 300 audio books. Love to Kate, Benjamin and Isabella! For Mom and Dad.

Brandon is humbled to make his Broadway debut! Proud native of Birmingham, AL. Alabama State University alumnus. Brandon is grateful to God, his wife, Denika and two daughters, Bréa and Briley. Without them, he has no purpose. Much love and thanks to his mom, sister, family, supporters and The Lion King family! In memoriam: Pastor Linda Whitt. Instagram @_bam.i.am_

From Durban South Africa, Pearl performed in The Lion King Madrid (2016-2018). She also toured with the KZN Youth Choir (2012-2015) competing in Poland and Italy where she won best female soloist in the Florence International Choir Festival (2013).

James Brown-Orleans originated the role of Banzai on The Lion King Gazelle Tour and is thrilled to be part of the Broadway company. James can be seen as Doc Motors in Disney’s The Princess Diaries. He is also the founder of Protected by Imagination Inc. “media to inspire.” Check out his website to find out more about his passion to empower.

A native of Montgomery, AL. Bonita is a proud graduate of Alabama State University and Brandeis University (MFA). She is overjoyed and grateful to be a part of this talented cast. Credits: NYC/ Regional: Mandela the Musical (staged reading), The Color Purple (workshop), Guys and Dolls, The Piano Lesson, The Old Settler and In the Blood. TV: “The Knick” (HBO). Bonita is a voiceover artist and can be heard on film, podcasts, commercials and animated series. Many Thanks to God, my family, Dr. Tommie (Tonea) Stewart, My husband Neil Caesar and our lovely children Nia and Noah.

Robb is overjoyed to return to The Lion King, having previously appeared in the 1st National, North American and Las Vegas companies. Broadway: Wicked (Boq), Shrek (Pinocchio). Off-Broadway: Happiness (Lincoln Center), Enter Laughing (cast recording), Disaster!, Zanna, Don’t! (cast recording), Johnny Guitar (cast recording). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed, The MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Syracuse Stage, Barrington Stage Company, Bristol Riverside, ACT of CT, Ogunquit Playhouse. Other: Saturday Night Fever (1st National Tour). Robb holds a BFA from Syracuse University.

Ava Hailey Harris (Young Nala at certain Performances) is making her Broadway debut. She is a company member at the The Pointe! Company & Technique Conservatory where she trains in the performing arts. Ava thanks her family and village of supporters for everlasting prayers that remain and the opportunity to express her talents graced by God.

This DE native is thrilled to be debuting on Broadway. At 6, he started acting and saw Lion King. Five plays and five years later, he’s in the show. Hallelujah! Also featured on TV for his bestseller, 3 Little Piggy Banks. Thanks WDL, CAB, family, friends, little sister, mom and dad. (www.3littlepiggybanks.com). @kj_theactor

Jillian Paige Platero (Young Nala at certain Performances). Broadway Debut! From NJ Pageants to Broadway. Jillian loves the stage and has been performing since age 5. Thank you for believing in me Binder Casting, Leorah Haberfield of Bohemia Group, Stewart Talent Agency, Amelia Demayo & DMO. Love to my family… dreamz come true. Proud Latina! @jillianpaige_dreamz

DYLIN RODRIGO (Young Simba at certain Performances). It is Dylin’s dream come true to make his Broadway debut! From Southern California, he attends OCSA for Musical Theatre. TV: “Puppy Place,” “Henry Danger,” “Teachers.” He’s grateful to God, his big Filipino family (esp. Mommy, Daddy, Cammy, Tito), friends, Dynamix Performance Troupe, and his team: Nikki Mincks, Tina Contogenis, Rebecca Ek.

Off-Broadway: This Ain’t No Disco (ATC), Spamilton (Swing/ Dance Captain). Regional: Pittsburgh CLO; Aida, South Pacific. Cameron thanks his “Wonder Woman” (mom) and everyone at The Mine. Go Blue! IG: i.amandus

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut! Regional: Ragtime, Big River, Beauty and the Beast. Thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and to all my friends and family who’ve supported me along the way.  IG: King_Ezekiela #invictus

Regional credits include: Disaster (starring Seth Rudetsky), All Shook Up, The Crucible. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and so grateful to have been on The Lion King tour!

Regional premiere of Kander & Ebb’s Scottsboro Boys. THE LION KING Las Vegas. Nat’l tours: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. New York: Showboat (Carnegie Hall), Godspell (workshop), Disney’s High School Musical 2, Respect (NYSAF); TV: CBS “My Broadway Debut.” University of Michigan.

KYLE BANKS (Ensemble). This New Orleans native received his masters of music from The University of Oklahoma before making his Broadway debut with The Lion King.  He’s also done voiceovers for Cadillac, Kay Jewelers and Cartoon Network.

India is excited to be making her Broadway debut! Graduate: Ailey/Fordham BFA. Experience: NBA Brooklyn Nets, Elisa Monte and Balance Dance Theatre. Television: ABC’s “GMA” and PIX 11 News. Film: The Other Woman (Dir. Nick Cassavettes). Much love and thanks to my family and friends.

MICHELLE BRUGAL (Ensemble). Originally from Miami, FL, Michelle holds a BFA in dance from Fordham University and The Ailey School. She has more than 15 years of professional experience as a performer and teacher. Her credits range from Broadway to television, as well as performances alongside world renowned artists. Follow her @brugalbodymoves

ADRIANNE CHU (Ensemble) is beyond excited to be making her Broadway debut! National Tours: The Lion King Rafiki Tour, 1st Nat’l Tour of Finding Neverland (Wendy), LCT’s The King and I. International: Mamma Mia! (RCCL). Marymount Manhattan College, BFA Dance. Huge thank you to her family, Max, DHA and friends for their constant love and support! @achugblessyou, www.adriannechu.com

Lindiwe Dlamini, an original cast member, has appeared in Sarafina! (Broadway and national tour). Performances: Radio City Music Hall, Pocahontas in Central Park, Grover Washington, “Arsenio,” “David Letterman,” “Jay Leno,” 1998 Tony Awards® and Essence Awards.

Gilbert is making his Broadway Debut! Regional credits include: The Muny, Steppenwolf, Yale Rep. Gilbert is grateful to God for every opportunity to do what he loves, and to his family and friends for their unending support!

Zinhle was born in Durban South Africa. She has worked with many South African artists. In 2010 she won pop stars South Africa formed a group called Nne-vida. In 2013 she joined The Lion King UK tour. In 2016 she joined The Lion King London cast. In 2017 she performed with Elton John at the Evening Standard Awards.

Bongi Duma was born in Durban, South Africa. Credits: Africa Africa; Mighty Zulu Nation across England, Italy and Ireland. Composer: Generations (Drama Desk Nom.). Thanks to African heroes Ian Sotrey, Duma Ndlovu, Lebo M and my beautiful Mother. Original cast,The Lion King (Germany).

Angelica Edwards is making her Broadway debut. She has danced with Ronald K. Brown/Evidence, Kevin Iega Jeff/Deeply Rooted and the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, and received her BFA from Ohio State University. She thanks God.

Broadway debut! Tours: The Lion King (1st national); Hello, Dolly! Off-B’way: Prelude to the First Day (Emerging Artists). Regional: Privates on Parade (Studio Theatre), Into the Woods (Signature Theatre), Over the River… (Totem Pole Playhouse). Thanks for coming and keeping me employed!

A Bronx native. Paige is graduate of Ailey/Fordham BFA. She is a Princess Grace Award recipient (2016) and Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” (2017). Dance Companies: AileyII, Visceral Dance Chicago and Deeply Rooted. TV/Commercial: Intel, ESPN, Elle Magazine, Empire (FOX). Theatre: West Side Story (Lyric Opera) and The Lion King Rafiki Tour. She is thrilled to be making her Broadway debut in The Lion King. IG: @lovingthispaige. www.paigefraser.net

Broadway debut! Credits: A Chorus Line (Connie), Aida, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Companies: Deeply Rooted, River North (apprentice). TV: original cast member (Min) on “Barney and Friends.” Proud owner of Intrigue Dance. Love to family, friends and Dustin.

Originally from Bowie, MD, Daniel graduated from the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. program and performed extensively across the U.S. and abroad with the Ailey company for ten years. He has worked with Debbie Allen, Donald McKayle, Christopher L. Huggins and Camille A. Brown.

Broadway debut!  Newport News, VA native, Collin, is thrilled to be joining the Pridelands!  Regional: Memphis (NCT).  TV/Film: American Music Awards (Mariah Carey), Black Nativity.  Dance: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  Endless thanks to God, family and friends.  IG: @collinheyward  

Born in the West Indies, Michael earned a Theatre degree from Penn State University. Broadway: The Lion King. International Tours: Hair. Regional: Once on This Island, Chess. Film and TV: “For the People.”

Broadway: Tarzan, Jumpers. National Tour: The Lion King. Off-Broadway: Fuerza Bruta, De La Guarda. TV: “Law & Order,” “Sex and the City,” “Guiding Light,” “Hawaii Five-O.” Regional: The Wilma, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, Great Lakes Theatre Festival. BFA, Carnegie Mellon. Michael starred as Niko Bellic in the video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Love to my wife Angela and our little cubs Max and Eva.

Los Angeles, CA native, Broadway debut! BA: Fordham University. M.S.Ed.: University of Pennsylvania. 2008 Lorna Strassler Award. Glory to God. Thanks to my family and friends for your support. I love you Aaron, Jack Major, Action Major, Shine Major and Christmas.  @firstcomeslovetcm

Amanda Kunene is an South African singer, actress and performer. Born in Durban, South Africa. BA Music and Drama Studies graduate and BA Honors in Music Performance graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Howard College campus.

Born and raised in Durban, South Africa. Has a profound passion for music. Acclaimed for successfully producing a debut album sung in French, Zulu and Creole. Ideal: No level of satisfaction.

Cincinnati, OH native. Dance: Charlotte Ballet, Chautauqua Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, DCDC. Broadway: The Lion King, original cast of The Lion King Las Vegas. Regional: Oklahoma! (Dream Jud). TV: The Emmy Awards, “Dancing with the Stars.” Instagram/Twitter @Jaysinmc

Ray Mercer, an Omaha, NE, native, comes directly from The Lion King Cheetah tour. Danced with Deeply Rooted/Chicago and George Faison and has toured with Aretha Franklin. Thanks to family and friends for their love and support.

Broadway: Oklahoma! (Lead Dancer), The Lion King. National tours: My Fair Lady (Clara Eynsford-Hill), The Lion King. TV: 73rd Annual Tony Awards®. Concerts: Phish at MSG. Former member: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Publications: Dancers Among Us. Instagram @alegada

S’bu Ngema, from South Africa, Zululand, is very excited to join The Lion King on tour. Credits: The Lion King (Broadway), Sarafina with M’Bongeni Ngema, I Pintombi with Bertha Egnos. His performances are dedicated to his late mom, mother Sibongile and his 2 beautiful children Owami & Sangiwe. Love always.

Sihle Ngema born in Newcastle, South Africa, vocally trained by Boycie Phokeng amd Mbongeni Ngema. Theatre: The Lion King (Australia & Shanghai), Dance Through Me, Mama, Woza My Fohloza, Jika The Musical. Television: “X Factor,” “Nelson Mandela 80th Birthday Celebration.” Film: Elephant Tails – Soundtrack Vocals.

Nhlanhla is an actor, voice over artist, song writer and singer with 10 years backing vocalist experience. He’s multilingual and performed on numerous international stages. 2013-2014 he was in The Lion King Brazil cast.

Nteliseng is honored to be making her Broadway debut and joins directly from the Hamburg company of The Lion King. Other credits include Miriam Makeba in The Journey (Zurich), Brenda Fassie in Memeba (Johannesburg) and I’m African (Welkom).

Credits: The Lion King (Gazelle and Cheetah companies), AIDA (Aida), RENT (Mimi & Joanne Cover), Ain’t Misbehavin (Charlaine), The Wiz (Dorothy), Once on this Island (Andrea), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour). @Jacquelineorene

Overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut with The Lion King. Companies: The Lion King Las Vegas and North American tour (Gazelle), Washington Reflection Dance Company, National Ballet of San Domingo. I would like to thank my parents, family, and friends for their constant and overflowing prayers and support! Peace and Love!

Kellen is excited to be reunited with his Lion King Family. Credits: The Lion King (Broadway, Las Vegas, and National Tour), Franco Dragone’s Le Reve, and Cirque Du Soleil’s Viva Elvis. Mahalo to my family and friends for all the love and support!

From Belize, Central America, Jamie is excited and grateful to make his Broadway debut. Education: Belhaven University. Professional credits includes: Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Bruce Wood Dance.

Theatre credits: Movin’ Out (West End, U.S. national tour), The King and I (Eliza, U.S. national tour). Dance companies: Martha Graham Dance Company, Elisa Monte Dance, Ballet Hispanico. Broadway debut: The Lion King.

Marcus Williams(Ensemble). Dallas, TX native making his Broadway debut! He was in the Emmy-Winning cast of The Let Go at the Park Avenue Armory and a previous company member with Phantom of the Opera (World Tour), Ailey II, Philadanco and Fire Shut Up in My Bones (MET Opera and Chicago Lyric Theatre). Williams thanks God, family and friends for helping him get here. IG: Marcus.N.Williams

Ecstatic to make her Broadway debut! Hailing from Chesapeake, Virginia, Sidney is a proud graduate of Governor’s School for the Arts, Elon University ’21 and the LINK program. Many thanks to God, family, friends, CGF, and all who have poured into her life.

Malcolm is overjoyed to be making his Broadway debut! From Clifton, NJ, he obtained his BFA from NYU in May 2021. Malcolm thanks his parents, brother and his “village.” All glory be to God! John 15:16

B’way: Rent. Off-B’way: Oedipusat Palm Springs; The Immigrant; Hank Williams: Lost Highway; Love, Janis; Play Yourself; Homebody/Kabul. Tour: It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues. International tour: Biennale-Bonn, Germany; Edinburgh Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland; deSingel Theatre, Antwerp. For Jack and Anna always.

B’way: The Color Purple, Curtains. Off-B’way: Five Course Love, The Immigrant , Eyewitness Blues, Golf the Musical, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Finder’s Fee, Right You Are. Tour: The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, Anything Goes. Regional: Studio Arena and Little Theatre on the Square.

Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. National tours: Frozen (first national), A Bronx Tale the Musical (first national). Off-Broadway: Jersey Boys, Little Rock. Regional: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Curvy Widow; Bad Jews.

Trained at the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne and toured extensively in Australia and North America before settling in NYC. Broadway: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, King Kong, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Other credits include An Iliad with Denis O’Hare, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me, and The Karate Kid.

National Tours: The Lion King (since 2004), Bring in ’da Noise…., Cinderella; Jekyll & Hyde; Annie 20th Anniversary Tour. Broadway: DamnYankees!, Arcadia, The Red Shoes, A Christmas Carol, Annie (ACM), Jekyll & Hyde (ACM), Off-Broadway: Cowgirls. Proud member of AEA & IATSE. Love to Molly & Rebecca.